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A Brother’s Cancer Request (Please Pray for Trina)

This is about my sister. This is for my sister.

She has stage four metastatic breast cancer. That means her breast cancer has traveled to different areas of her body. In this case, her liver, her bones, her lungs and a spot in her brain that was blasted with intense radiation and is no longer on the radar.

My sister is Trina.

She’s an extrovert. People energize her. They always have. She laughs all the time. And loves all the time too. She invited a hooker to her church once. Because that’s the kind of person she is.

And she LOVES a party.

And loves to celebrate.

She loves EVERYONE.

And they love her back.

Her history:

Trina was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 1A just over six years ago. She had a double mastectomy (it was a radical approach for stage 1A, but she wanted the cancer gone, without question). Five years later, after she had just celebrated her “five years cancer free” milestone, she went in for some pain in her back and found that the cancer had spread. It was almost everywhere. One of those phone calls you never forget.

Our history:

She’s my sister. Not like normal, though. We grew up in a war zone family. Bad step dad. Bad as in real bad. Real bad as in…well, you get the picture. So we stuck together. We always have.

As a kid, she protected me, got me out of the house when I needed a break. And now, as adult siblings, we talk on the phone 3-5 times a week. Sometimes for two minutes. Sometimes for an hour.

And we laugh…A LOT.

And dance whenever we get the chance.

And we are there for each other.

We bail each other out when things get really hard. And when the going gets even tougher—when it gets unbearable—when cancer sinks in its claws—well, we wear wigs. Cuz we’re kind of a BIG DEAL!

We tell all the same old stories we’ve been telling each other for years—stories we should be so sick of by now, but never will be. We talk about our love for our life partners, and how lucky we are to have them. We talk about the most insignificant things you can think of, like how Circus Peanuts, Peeps, and Cow Tails can only be considered GOOD candy if you are one hundred and fourteen years old.

We talk about those stupid little things that make us “US“. But more recently we talk about her frustrating new way of life with cancer. Well, she talks. I usually just listen.

It’s a good friendship—a best friendship. I can’t do life without her. I simply don’t know how. The thought of her not being around one day—the audacity that she could somehow be sucked out of this world—is absurd.

She needs to get better, my friends, and that is all.

So…HERE IS MY CANCER REQUEST for you and anyone you share this note with. I’m asking for your prayers, but in a very specific way.

Yesterday, she received a less than favorable report from her most recent scans. Two of the larger spots in her liver have grown only a few millimeters, but this is happening after 6 months of chemo and while she has been under continuing hormone treatments to shrink the cancer. Most of her scans showed no sign of growth in her bones, lungs or brain (this is good news), but her liver is not cooperating and hasn’t been for sometime.

On Monday, she and her team of physicians will be talking treatment for the next leg of the journey.

What I’m requesting may seem a little odd, but I’m no longer concerned about that, so here it is:

We are all likely different in our approach to life, God, and faith. There are a lot of people out there who approach God with more questions or perhaps more frustration than what is typical for a “normal person” of faith. These are those real people that I absolutely adore.

You are poets, musicians, businesswomen, atheists, teachers, artists, stay at homies, pastors, bankers, the poor, the rich, black, white, yellow, young and old.

Many of you have seen the underbelly of life and have been brave enough to acknowledge it for what it is—Hell.

The weak-minded and irresponsible among us often turn their atrocities (or ours) into some sort of falsified or frenetic celebration. They say, “God has a plan” at the most inappropriate times. They have their reasons, I’m certain. But for this prayer, I am not calling on those who believe that God grants wishes like Santa.

If God is there at all, he is beyond my grasp of understanding—a Mystery I greatly respect and at times, and at other times, hate. I simply cannot fathom his higher ways.

So I am calling on you. I trust your life experience. In fact, I am relying on it.

Would you pray, asking for a direct miracle for my sister—for Trina’s life and the healing of her cancer?

I don’t ask for miracles often, but when I do, I always attach the words “if it be your will, oh God.”But I’m asking that you would youleave those words out of your prayerthis time around. Because if it’s not God’s will to heal her, then I want his will changed. The will of God has been changed before so I believe anything is possible. If his almighty answer is no, I will deal with the shattering disappointment of that another time.

Today…I’m asking that he change his will and heal my sister.

TO THE ATHEISTS AMONG YOU: On my behalf, would you lay aside your unbelief in God for a very short time. It’s a big request I know—one I am humbly making at this very moment with tears in my eyes. But I boldly make this request because I feel I may need your prayers most of all. Perhaps God will hear your courageous voices before any of the rest of ours. So would you please whisper them out for this man who does believe?

How all of you pray, I don’t care. But in your own way, please speak the words “Heal her, oh God. If you’re really out there, go ahead and heal Trina.” Pray them along with me. Say them over and over, and then over and over again until you feel they have been heard by something greater…by someOne greater.

Trina has been through more than most people should ever have to go through—abandonment, abuse of many kinds, betrayal and now disease. I’m confident it’s been too much. Why has it happened? I don’t care anymore. I only want to see her relieved.

I hope you’ll take a moment to share this post, believing that her story could change through the prayers, faith, hope and love of others. Please repost it and pray for my sister.

Please pray for Trina.

With deepest gratitude,

Matt Bays

P.S. One of the things Trina and I grew up doing was singing—music was a gift our mother gave us. To be able to do this music video with her (and my mom) was something other worldly for me. I will never forget the love in the room that day.

“We want a God who heals our wounds, but it seems we have a God who heals our hearts.”[tweetthis display_mode=”button_link”]”We want a God who heals our wounds, but it seems we have a God who heals our hearts.”[/tweetthis] On this day, God was definitely healing my broken heart. We are ALL going to be okay, my friends.

Matt, We attend Saturday evenings at Northview and just love your voice! I am so sorry you and your family are going through this difficult time. I sent this message to all of my friends on Facebook. My mom is an 18 year breast cancer survivor and I know how difficult this is for you and your family. I will keep Trina in my prayers. Sincerely, Kelly Meyer

The treasures in the darkness of cancer are highlighted in a prayer such as this. A glimpse of insurmountable love between siblings. How deep the Father’s love for her and for us. May our prayers for her healing change us and may the darkness be lifted. Amen.

You brought me to tears…actual sobbing! The closeness you have with Trina reminds me of my brother Chris and myself. He passed away almost 9 years ago from AIDS. I have only met Trina once or twice and I have known Chuck most of my life. I will pray for a miracle for her and for you, that you have your dear and beautiful sister for years to come. I will also request the same from family and friends in their congregations. I know the pain of losing a best friend and sibling. My heart and prayers go out to you both! All my love!

God bless you and your sister…i will pray for everyone in your family especially Trina. Cancer sucks! I just lost a childhood friend and laid her to rest yesterday, at the age of 41 so I’m fresh from this evil disease. I will pray for her! Your relationship is beautiful!

Matt,
You and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers. The moment I read this, my heart just sunk. I lost my big brother, Matt, to testicular cancer in September. He was diagnosed in June and it had just spread too fast for us to catch it. The relationship the two of you share reminded me so much of mine and my brothers. Watching a sibling go through this is awful, you do not expect it. My brother fought his battle as we all expected, with humor, strength, and smiles. Your sister sounds like and amazing and tough woman. Please keep your head up and stay strong for her. I will continue to pray and think of you.
Kristian

Matt–My mom leads a parallel journey to your Trina! Your words pierce my heart! My mind struggles with faith, but if He’s out there I’m shouting out for your Trina and for my mom, each who deserve so much better!!! Be BRAVE, I say!

Dear Heavenly Father, please wrap you healing arms around beautiful Trina and take away all her cancerous blemishes so that she can continue to live a full life and love and honor You by using the talents You so generously bestowed upon her. Trina has suffered through this life and wants to enjoy some time free of pain here on this beautiful earth. Please, Dear Lord, in Your gracious mercy and healing kindness we ask this in your name. Amen

I believe, Matt. I believe He is there and hears your unutterable groans and desperate, wrenching determination. I believe He adores Trina and aches for her. I am pleading tearfully with you for her precious life, for God, Who is Lord over cancer, to destroy this invader and cause her cells to quit rebelling and submit to the name of Jesus. There is no cancer in heaven, so as it is in heaven, I proclaim, let it be on earth in Trina’s body. I pray He will glorify Himself in her full recovery and that she will live and tell what God has done! What a gift you and Trina are to each other. I can’t imagine what my life would be without my baby brother. I just won’t go there. I pray you won’t have to either. My heart cries out with you, “Please, Loving, compassionate God, though I can’t comprehend why this is happening, please let her live a long, cancer-free life. Please don’t let it take her! You are God. Anything is possible with You! You can heal her and make THAT work for her good! Please hear our prayers and answer ‘YES’ and ‘NOW’! Our eyes are on You. We can’t do this. We need You! Please heal Your Trina!”

Thanking all of you for your prayers, your hope, good thoughts, faith and willingness to agree with Trina, myself, my precious mom, her 3 children, husband and so many others who dearly love her. I can’t think of anything more important right now. Peace and love and all good things!
–Matt

Matt, I’ll stand in agreement with you for Trina’s complete healing from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. With God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!! Love and prayers…Tootie
PS..You look great in the wig. 🙂 Trina is as pretty as ever.

Continuing in pray for a miracle and believing. We serve a great big God. I don’t understand everything about God but I put my trust and faith in. Admire your Love and relation you you and Trina have. Supporting your family with Love and prayers. Ron and Connie Taylor

I know of you, Matt, through past re-postings done by my daughter-in-law who knew you from school. The way you express yourself just blows me away. I’m not an atheist but I’m not a complete believer either. However, I really feel that any positive energy put out there for Trina can only help her and her family somehow. I will repeat the prayer/command as you requested. Has anyone considered visiting the house near Akron where miracles have been happening for years? I believe in miracles.

I grew up wanting a sister, a big sister, a little sister, a twin sister, I didn’t really care. All I got and have ever had is an older brother who physically, verbally, and mentally abused me and who now, I can’t even stand to be around. I guess what I’m saying is, I wanted a Trina. I am a hospital administrator and I f@#%?!@ hate cancer!!!! I accept your request, will share it and pray for your miracle, her miracle just as you have asked. This I commit to do every day, several times a day until you let me know that it has happened or that He has let us down. I appreciate you for reaching out to the world. I hope God blesses us with this miracle. You rock, Brother!!! How I wish you had been mine instead of the one I got.

I will be praying for a miracle for your sister – for Trina’s life and the healing of her cancer? You are a wonderful brother & I do believe when we go to Him as a child He answers.,,,,, I come to you Father,I am asking you Lord for a miracle to heal Trina. Please orchestrate whatever it is to be done to allow your name to be praised & glorified through this miracle that all men will see you in this your healing touch. I pray this in Jesus’s name. Amen

Matt, I don’t know you personally but listen to you every Sunday at Northview every Sunday. You are gifted. I can feel the love and pain you feel for your sister, and how close you are. My only brother was my best friend. I will pray with all my heart for your dear sister and you. God still performs miracles!!!

I will be on my knees for Trina tonight, begging the forces that be to grant your miracle. I can clearly see the ‘something special’ in her – just from your pictures. Having lost my magic friend to Breast cancer at the just too fricken young age of 36, I am and will continue to plead with God to spare you the immense pain of walking the earth without her. I will pray you and your beautiful sister get to continue your dances right up until the bingo hour in your senior nursing home. Xo.

Matt, we prayed for Trina tonight at small group. And I will continue to pray for complete healing and removal of the cancer from her liver, her bones, her lungs, and her brain. I will pray that you and your family will be the sustaining strength to bring her through this healing.
Lord hear our prayers!!
XO Jennifer McNair

I don’t know you or your sister but read this and am deeply moved by your love and support of each other especially through the things you have briefly mentioned. Prayers that your request is answered!

For sure praying for your sister, Trina! As a mother with a young child with Leukemia, I know the power of prayer and it is amazing!!
I believe God is still in the business of performing miracles and I’m praying for a miracle for Trina! God Bless!!

i will be praying for your beautiful sister. Your love for one another is so beautiful. I have a brother whom I love dearly. I can’t even imagine your sorrow. I believe too that God’s will can be changed. Miracles are possible. So I am praying for Trina with tears in my eyes right now.

Oh Matt, I don’t know you personally but I know God and I can feel your anxious heart through your words. Taking your request before HIM now and have posted your request as well! May you all feel the presence of God holding you!

I am praying for the miracle you are asking for with Trina, Matt. As a 20 year breast cancer survivor, I know the challenges of chemo and radiation. I’m praying that Trina will reach the 20 year mark as I did. I’m praying for you too!
Sandy

Trina has been in my prayers for awhile and I’ll continue to pray for her. I believe with all my heart that the lord above hears our prayers. If I didn’t I would be lost for my sister is also fighting stage 4 lung cancer. I have you, Trina and Chuck all in my prayers.

We meet every Thursday for prayer at our church. We have and will continue to pray for Trina. We all love her so much!! God sees her and knows her and I believe He hears our pleas. I am asking Him for this miracle for her. What a wonderful witness of His glory this would be!! It gives a whole new meaning to David Crowder’s song, “He loves Us”. “Our affliction eclipsed by glory.” May His glory shine down on her! We love you all!

It would be my honor to pray for her, your sister, one that you have known and loved your whole life. It’s awful to watch her suffer. She is also my sister born from the blood of the love of Jesus and there are many of your brothers and sisters that have heard your request and are praying tonight and some of them are what I know to be prayer warriors. Know that we love you and will support you in any way we can!

Each time I read your writing Matt, I am reminded of the deep goodness and beauty of God and a little healing washes over my soul. I will be the old nag/persistent widow to God asking Him for this gift of a miracle for Trina each time He brings her to my mind. His – Troy

Matt, your story hit me like a ton of bricks as I too am a breast cancer survivor of almost 5 years….I am so sorry your beautiful sister Trina is going through this horrible time, but if my prayers can somehow help her, you know I will be praying for Trina every day from here on out until she gets the miracle she is looking for…she sounds like such a sweet, fun and loving sister and friend and to have a brother like you do this for her reflects on just what a special person she is!!! Tell her not to quit fighting and get well!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!!

I am currently praying for the exact same miracle healing for MY sister, Rebecca (http://evenontherainiestday.blogspot.com). She was diagnosed with Stage 4 bile duct cancer eight something years ago and has been battling it fiercely ever since, never been in remission. It started in her liver then spread to her lungs. Just this past year they found breast cancer in each of her breasts (that’s three cancers in her body at one time). They have been aggressively treating that. Now this past week a scan revealed cancer in vertebrae in her back. She is at her hospital right now to have radiation done on that spot.

My family is SO close. The thought of a world without my sister in it is an unbearable thought.I can’t even go there. It scares me senseless. Reading your post brought me to tears (it doesn’t take much these days) because I know EXACTLY how you feel. I will pray for your sister along with my own – complete healing for them both!

I often pray from my bed, before I fall asleep. But tonight I promise to make a special prayer, on my knees, for God’s grace and willingness to bring a miracle to your sister and your family. She’s beautiful, and I hope this turns around for her!

Though my situation was never this serious, there was a time in my treatment for a bone marrow disorder, where I’d come out of remission after just a few short months, and the new treatment wasn’t working… It meant I’d have to do a bone marrow transplant with only something like 60% chance of living, and around 30% chance of success for the treatment. We prayed and prayed, and on the day I was to decide to proceed with the transplant or not, my blood counts increased just a smidge – the sign we’d been waiting months for! We delayed, and it worked! That was Jan 2002…nearly 13 years ago. I hope that your sister will be similarly blessed! Please encourage her to not give up fighting, sometimes the answers to our prayers come in the 11th hour!

Matt you are truly a blessing for your sister Trina! Your story truly hit home for me. There’s nothing like Family when going through a very trying time. Know that I’m here spiritually for your Family and especially your sister Trina! God Bless!!!

Matt, I don’t know you but I stumbled upon this via a friends post. I am so sorry for the troubles both you and your sister are going through. I happen to be a nurse and see this everyday. What keeps me going is that the courage of my patients is beyond inspiring. If they can fight this fight I can fight alongside them. Your sister is fighting a valiant fight and my prayers are yours. Please keep us updated! Praying for a miracle now, tomorrow, and everyday after that.

This was posted on FB by someone who says she doesn’t know you, but that she believes in the power of prayer. That goes for me as well. I don’t know you, but I know the Lord. And I, too, believe in the power of prayer. I will pray your requested words, Matt. And I will thank the Lord for hearing all the prayers being said on behalf of your sister, Trina.

Dear Matt. I have lost three siblings in my life time and my high school sweet heart and soul mate in May 2013 Our family has endured so much heart ache but we stand tall in our faith through Jesus Christ. As I sat in church two weeks ago and heard you singing I thought about your sister and how she was doing. I think God was telling me something then something was wrong. You are hurting now and God knows you are hurting and he will put his arms around you and your sister and yes she can be healed. I’ve known it to happen. God Is Good and without him some days I would have not made it. Stay strong and I will get your message out there. I love your music at Northview. We may not know each other but we have one thing in common our love for our Heavenly Father.

YOU BET I’LL PRAY FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL SISTER!!!! It is an HONOR— I also would like to send her one of my CD’s—- I’ve sung all Round the world and have seen God heal people. The music God has given me is soothing, healing and passionate and has comforted/ encouraged many —- I would love to send it to your sis— can u send an address?

Thank you for sharing your sister’s story. It has been 10 years since I lost my mother to this insidious disease and I miss her each and everyday! I am sending healing prayers into the world for your sister. God listens and although sometimes we do not think the wish is granted he has answered in a way that leads us on the right path to him. All my love to you, your sister, family and friends. Stay strong!

Believing that God hears my prayers, as well as so many others, I am praying right now for complete healing in Trina ‘ s body, that the cancer will completely disappear and she will be restored to full health. I’m sharing this on Twitter and Facebook as well as asking my prayer warrior friends to begin praying and standing in the gap for your amazing, vibrant, beautiful sister. May the Lord bless you with the peace that passes all understanding as you lean on Him.

Matt, I have prayed just as you have asked and will continue to do so. What an amazing relationship you share with your sister. Thank you for sharing and allowing us to be part of this miracle request.

Oh Matt. This story is so, so familiar to my family. I will leave out the story because it’s about you and your sister, but know we have walked the same road and we are all praying for a Miracle for your sis!

Matt, I don’t know you but we have mutual friends and I’m here in West Lafayette. I will pray with you and I will also share on my author Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/AuthorNatalieSnapp. I’ll share it later this evening when traffic times are highest.

Nothing is impossible and yes, His will does change. Many examples of this in the Bible. Prayer works.

My own family has been through hell and back and believe that yours will survive, too. Above all I truly, 100% believe in sibling-hood and am grateful for your post because it reminds me that those relationships are irreplaceable. Not just irreplaceable – they are indescribable. The bond, the love, the laughter – it’s one of life’s most precious gifts. I’m praying your sister will not be taken from you and praying for that miracle.

Praying for God to heal Trina, and you! You have both been blessed with a love, strength, bond and understanding of each other that most people never experience with anyone during the life. Praying for healing, peace, love, grace, and deep understanding. God bless you both! I KNOW that God hears and cares and heals!

Matt,
I don’t know you or your sister Trina, but I know God and I know He is in the business of miracles! I’m sharing this on my Facebook and will pray for your sister. Praying and believing with you in Wilkinson, IN.

Matt, I am praying for you and your sister. I want you to know that with God ALL things are possible. I know first hand the healing power of God, He healed my son, healed one of my daycare clients, I witnessed him bring the dead back to life, etc. I could go on and on and want you to know our God is a healing God. Mathew 17:20 tells us that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain move from here to there and it will move. NOTHING will be impossible for you” with this being said I want you and your sister to believe without a doubt that God WILL heal her and meditate on these scriptures. Jerimiah 17:14, Mark 5:34, James 5:16. 1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in His body, on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you HAVE been healed” Psalm 41:2-3 “The Lord will protect him and preserve his life, he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The Lord WILL sustain him on his sickbed and RESTORE him from his bed of illness” Believe with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind that God will heal your sister and I will do the same. God bless you and your family, Teresa

Matt, I have seen so many miracles that were the results of prayer that I HAVE to pray for your sister. I know that it can happen and she will be in my prayers from this moment on. Blessings on you both!

Matt, I found your story through Jared Baers page. I am praying everyday for your entire family. I know what you ask is so huge, but I also know it is possible. Just yesterday in my church we heard from a woman who does not normally attend our church but a man who does was asked by a friend to come and pray over her because cancer had been found in her. Well they prayed for four hours. They prayed, and prayed, and cried, and prayed some more until they really felt God in that room. They knew she had been healed and sure enough when she went back to the doctors they ran test after test and scanned and re-scanned but they found no cancer. I pray that God reach down with his healing hand and touch your sister who has suffered enough in her life. I pray for you two to have many more happy years to celebrate and enjoy life. I will continue praying this prayer everyday until I hear the news that God has touched Trina.

I’m so touched and moved by the responses you shared. So glad you went with your gut.

I shared this with a group of my friends that I share the gift of Reiki healing with. Very powerful in their healing skills, in my humble opinion, with huge hearts coming from a place of love to share. Most of which I have no idea of their beliefs at all but all of whom shared their most heartfelt desire to share their time to send Trina their healing energy and prayers.

I believe a massive healing is already happening and am thankful you put your plea out there to allow me to be a part of this beautiful experience of belief.
Love, Light, Prayers & Hope to all!
Laurie

Prayed for that miracle this morning and will be happy to share your post. You are loved by the Northview congregation and your bold courage to speak your heart is a true inspiration to so many of us. Blessings!

Have you or your sister heard of a drug by Merck called Keytruda? (I can’t post the link for some reason….) It was just approved by the FDA in September I believe. Anyway, it has some very promising results. My step-mom was approved for it, but lost her battle before treatment could start. I just wanted to pass that info along…. I’ll be praying for you and Trina.

I will pray earnestly just that Matt. I know the desperation for a miracle oh too well. ..too many times… unfortunately my miracles did not come to pass. So to see this one done for Trina would be my honor to pray for. Keep the faith. 😉 Come on God..let’s get it on!! – michelle

prayers are sent to you trina and your family from afar!!! i attended church with you and your kids for many years. may god take all of your pain away!!! may you enjoy the holiday season with your family!!! praying daily for healing and courage for you and your family!!! god bless!

Never in my life would I have imagined setting my beliefs aside and looking to some sort of heavens, but never would I have expected such chills to creep up my spine upon reading an article. I hear you Matt and will say a prayer. I saw that over 12,000 people have visited this article. With such love and devotion apparent in this amazing letter, I imagine that’s over 12,000 requests for a miracle. Stay strong you two. Someone will hear.

My sister was diagnosed with two kinds of breast cancer and had a double mastectomy in 2008. She is approaching 5 years cancer free. She has had so many other health problems from the extreme chemo and continues to struggle. But you are living through my constant fear and my heart goes out to you. I will absolutely pray daily for a direct miracle and healing for Trina, as well as continued strength for you to get her through this. God bless you both!

To a Creator who can make heart beats flow from dirt …
To a God who knows the wretching pain of watching babies and children suffer …
To Abba … Daddy where there has been no Daddy …
Reach your loving strong, persistent arms around this brother …
Make your presence something he will never forget …
Pour your life into this beautiful girl’s body, mind and soul …
Take away the wracking pain, the rage of hopelessness and fill the space between heaven and earth with the oil of healing, the balm of rekindling wholeness.

I am a believer…
but I know my prayer counts…
may God walk with you and your sister
and may you feel his consolation and strength
this life is short, the next one can be glorious!
look ahead…hang on to God! love you both though I have never met you!

Had to fall on my knees and pray for Trina. Lost several family members to cancer so I know your desires of a miracle for your Sister. Praying complete healing for Trina from the true healer Jesus Christ. Lord I come boldly before you and speak healing into Trina. We bind the cancer and remove it from all areas and we throw it at the foot of the cross. You tells us to go boldly before you and ask. So were asking and believing in complete healing from you. We thank you, Lord. Amen

Abba Father H E L P…You love us beyond our imaginations and we can crawl up in your lap and arms and cry…May Your will be done in this situation and we would ask complete healing for brother and sister physically, mentally and spiritually. May old men dream dreams/young men see visions as you pour out Your spirit in these days and help us to accept Your will for you know the beginning from the end in Yeshua’s/Jesus precious name AMEN AND AMEN

I’m praying for a miracle, for complete healing and for the cancer to never return. I’ve had 2 friends diagnosed with breast cancer this year. I just want to scream when they told me, but I hugged them and supported them through the process. I’ll be in thinking of Trina when I run the Komen race this year.

I also grew up in a war zone, but it was my own father who was the enemy. Then I lost my beloved brother because of a drunk driver–I was just 18. I was the youngest, and my siblings did NOT help or protect me, and my sisters and I are not close now. God gives you a gift each day–your beautiful sister. I pray He heals her and you both can bring hope and healing for families torn up by abuse. I just saw this post and will pray that His will is to HEAL her and that your story continues. His spirit lives in her, and the world needs to know of His hope, love, and healing. I pray His light continues for many decades through her life, and that he HEALS her completely. I pray for many years of love for your whole family, with her bright smile in the center of it!